SXSW 2014 Artists to Watch

SXSW 2014 Artists to Watch

Is it already March? We know what that means. We are coming closer and closer to the 2014 SXSW Music Festival. For those who aren’t familiar with the festival, SXSW is hosted in Austin, Texas and the epicenter of emerging (and already emerged) talent. From hip-hop to K-Pop, this year’s lineup boasts just about every sound you could imagine. SXSW is known for being the place to discover new talent. And this year's showcasing artists are chock full of it. We’ve rounded up the ones to watch here, click through the list to get to know them!

Hyuna

At just 21, Hyuna is a singer, dancer, rapper, model, member of Korean girl group 4Minute, and an official K-pop idol. The K-pop princess made an appearance in Psy’s “Gangnam Style” music video and then followed it up with “Oppa Is Just My Style.” She has two EPs, two albums, and countless awards and nominations under her belt. Hyuna epitomizes pop music in a way that is rarely seen in the U.S. anymore. Her performances are filled with precise choreography, KorEnglish lyrics, colorful lights and insane outfits. She is definitely one performer not to be missed at SXSW.

Check out the video for "Ice Cream" above. (We see you, Psy!)

BADBADNOTGOOD

Toronto threesome BADBADNOTGOOD originally met and bonded over their love for rappers like Gucci Mane and Lil B. The guys started jamming, making renditions of their favorite hip-hop songs and putting them on YouTube. Drummer Alex Sowinski wore a pig mask accompanied by a cardboard sign calling them “Odd Trio” and they went viral. After releasing their first self-titled LP in 2011, the band grew to fame, selling out their debut show at Toronto’s Red Light Club. They’ve continued to sell out shows from London to NYC, collaborated with the likes of DOOM and Danny Brown and are about to release their third LP III. If you like smooth jazz mixed with a little Yeezy then don’t miss BBNG.
Look out for III , set for release May 6 via Innovative Leisure.
Photo Credit: Conor Olthius & Rose Flutur

Tori Kelly

Tori Kelly has been writing music since she was 14 years old. She quickly became an Internet sensation, with over 55 million YouTube views and 700,000 followers. According to Kelly, one of the most important things about being a songwriter is being young, fresh, and real. After playing coffee houses and shows to gain a fan base, she was picked up by music manager Scooter Braun (who works with Biebs, Ariana Grande and Carly Rae Jepsen). Kelly has sold out shows, headlined a U.S. tour, and opened for Jewel and Ed Sheeran, not to mention being in Elle, Glamour and Teen Vogue. In October she released her second EP Foreword. Check out the brand new video for “Paper Hearts,” above and don't miss a shot to hear her sing in Austin.

Ty Dolla $ign

Ty Dolla $ign, aka Tyrone Griffin, is a rapper, singer and producer from Los Angeles, CA. He’s currently signed with Wiz Khalifa’s Taylor Gang Records and Atlantic Records. Originally starting on bass guitar, he eventually developed his sound and voice as a rapper and producer. He’s best known for writing and producing “Toot It and Boot It” for YG. He just dropped his Beach Houses EP and has collaborated with Casey Veggies, Wiz, Twista, Trey Songz, French Montana and many, many more. His flow is insane and is definitely be the man to see for hip-hop heads.

Wet

Brooklyn-based band, Wet, marries indie pop and R&B in the best way. The band received a shout out from Lorde on Instagram for their song “You’re The Best” and has a subtle but noted sense of humor. Their website lives at kanyewet.com. (Get it?) Members Kelly Zutrau, Joe Valle, and Marty Sulkow have been making music since meeting in NYC in 2006. They released their self-titled debut EP a few months ago and will be popping up at some of the coolest showcases in Austin next week. Check ‘em out.

Weekend

Weekend is a four piece band hailing from San Fran. They formed back in 2009 and have two studio albums to their name. Over the years good friends Shaun Durkan (vocalist/bassist/guitarist) and Kevin Johnson (guitarist), along with drummer Taylor Valentino have toured all over the world, including a stint supporting The Kills and Wire in Japan. Durkan describes their second album, Jinx in three words: "Volatile. Cathartic. Bittersweet." Pitchfork's Jinx review says the band and their latest album is “begging to be played to more ears in bigger places.” Bigger places? Like a stage at SXSW? We think yes.
Don't miss 'em!

Bishop Nehru

Bishop Nehru is just 17-years-old and has made a name for himself as one of New York’s youngest and most poppin’ MCs on the rise. He’s a young cat with an old-school flow full of complex lyrics and rhymes. He produces, directs and edits music videos. Bishop toured with Wu-Tang and dropped “Nehruvia” and “strictlyFLOWz”, and collaborated with MF Doom. He’s really created a name for himself with his deep lyrics and throwback sound. Nehru is a name you should know, check out his Soundcloud and catch him at SXSW if you can!

The Preatures

The Preatures are a 5-piece band from Sydney. Four guys and one girl, this rock band was formed back in 2010 and soon after their first single, “Take a Card” was released becoming one of the top played tracks on Triple J in 2012. The band later signed with Mercury Records and released Shaking Hands, their first EP. We fell in love with them back in August when they released the video for "Is This How You Feel?" and can't wait to see them live at SXSW.

Charli XCX

Charli XCX is a British singer and songwriter from the UK. She’s been making music since 2008, with hits like “!Franchesckaar!”, “Emelline” and “You’re the One,” and she supported Paramore on their UK tour. She released her second album, True Romance in 2013 and toured the US just recently. We caught up with her as Artist of the Week last month. Check out the interview here and don't miss a shot to see her live in Austin next week!

Martin Garrix

Martin Garrix is a Dutch DJ and producer signed to Spinnin’ Records. He’s best known for his latest track, “Animals” which was a top 10 hit in more than 10 countries with an amazingly catchy rhythm. He released “Torrent” on Tiesto’s music label in 2013, and later “Wizard” with Jay Hardway. Check him out if you're into a guy who brings original house back to the stage.

Band of Skulls

Band of Skulls is a gritty English alternative rock band. Their bluesy sound echoes that of the The Kills, The Black Keys and Duke Spirit (to name a few). Formed by guitarist and vocalist Russell Marsden and Matt Hayward they started recording in 2008. They’ve released two albums, Baby Darling Doll Face Honey and Sweet Sour. Not to be missed!

Phantogram

Phantogram is known for their electronic loops, hip-hop beats and poppy sound. Sound complicated? We promise the duo makes all the elements somehow sound like they were made to work together. Josh Carter and Sarah Bathel both grew up in Greenwich. They write and produces all their music in a barn in upstate NY, allowing natural sounds and metropolitan influences to fuze together to create beautiful, beat driven pop songs. Phantogram is a SXSW must see.

Big Freedia

Big Freedia, aka Freddie Ross, is an artist out of New Orleans. Credited with popularizing bounce music, Freedia has a stronghold on some of the most fun, dance-worthy music on earth, even though it still remains pretty underground. The Queen of Bounce is will definitely get you moving. According to Freedia, “people just wanna get out and shake…and have a good time.” Agreed!

Jagwar Ma

Jagwar Ma is an Australian three-piece band gearing up to bring their special brand of psych-rock to every corner of the globe. Members Gabriel Winterfield, Jono Ma, and bass guitarist/vocalist Jack Freeman got together in 2011. They've only released one EP to date, but have already played every major festival in Australia and are selling out shows in The UK, France and The US as well. Their live show is an energetic blend of fun and skilled performance. If you're headed to Austin next week make sure to catch them!

Denzel Curry

Denzel Curry is a rapper from Carol City, Fl emerging with a vintage sound that hasn’t been heard since the ‘90s. He’s one of the youngest members of Spaceghost Purrp’s Raider Klan. His sound is reminiscent of Bone Thugs and Three 6 Mafia. He was featured on Lil Ugly Mane’s “Twistin,” which catapulted him into the spotlight, later being featured on BBC Radio 1. He’s blowin’ up and is a must see this year.

Kelela

Kelela is one of the most promising artists to enter the landscape this year. After releasing her debut mixtapeCut 4 Mewe were floored by the way she combines smooth, Janet Jackson-esque vocals with future club production from her labelmates at Fade To Mind. A far cry from what might first come to mind when you think of R&B, Kelela is changing the face of the genre with her piercing voice and repetitive, poetic lyrics. After touring all over the US and Europe and releasing a single on Solange's Saint Heron label, she'll grace SXSW with her presence. Catch her performing at some of the craziest parties in Austin next week and check out "Go All Night (Let Me Roll)" above.

Diplo

Diplo has been the genius behind some of the world's top hits over the course of the past several years. He's the head honcho at Mad Decent records and is the brains behind Major Lazer. Mad Decent acted as a launching pad for his musical creations and never, never fails to put on an amazing show. Diplo will have you getting’ down and dancin’.

The Black Keys

The Black Keys represent an era of rock music that is seldom heard today. The Ohio natives started out recording in basements before becoming one of the biggest names in rock music. They released their first album, The Big Come Up back in 2002. Five albums later the band came out with Brothers in 2010 which won them three Grammys. The Black Keys kept making hit after hit, with El Camino reaching No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart and later the El Camino Tour, with hit single “Lonely Boy” winning three Grammy Awards. The Black Keys own their sound, with originality and organic rhythms they are a must see anywhere, especially SXSW.

Cashmere Cat

Mangus August Høiberg, better known as Cashmere Cat, is a producer and DJ hailing from Norway. He won the Norwegian DMC World DJ Championships from 2006-2009. Cashmere Cat first hit the scene remixing songs by Lana Del Rey, 2 Chainz and Jeremih. He released his first EP, Mirror Maru back in 2012 and received serious acclaim from producers like Hudson Mohawke, Rustie and was included on the Grand Theft Auto V soundtrack. Cashmere Cat is known for his futuristic, seductive hip-hop influenced beats that make you feel like you’re dancing at the coolest underwater rave, or something along those lines. A definite must see at SXSW.

Cyril Hahn

You’ve probably heard of Swiss producer Cyril Hahn through his various remixes of R&B classics like Mariah Carey’s “Touch My Body” and Destiny’s Child’s “Say My Name.” Hahn’s success after the remixes shot him to fame: “Say My Name” landed the No. 1 spot on Hype Machine, was selected for Diplo’s BBC Radio 1 mix, and called out as Miss Annie Mac’s fav song. Hahn released three more remixes that became crowd favorites, including Alpines “Changes”, Solange’s “Losing You” and HAIM’s “Don’t Save Me.” Hahn has more than just remixes, his debut single “Perfect Form” has close to 300,000 views on YouTube. If you’re into upbeat ambient music, Cyril Hahn will put you in a trance at SXSW.